Definition of Family

• What is the broad definition of family?

  All descendants of a common ancestor
• How is the narrower definition of family typically used in sociology?

  As parents living together with their children
• When do wider family members become part of the family definition in sociology?

  When they live together or are involved daily
• Do families require relations by blood or marriage?

  No, families can include adopted children
• Can a single parent with adopted children be considered a family?

  Yes, they are clearly a family
• What about unmarried couples with adopted children?

  They are also considered a family
• If couples without children are families, what about unrelated friends living together?

  It raises questions about family definitions
• How is a household defined?

  A group of people living together
• Do households require kinship ties?

  No, they can exist without kinship ties
• What are the key differences between family and household definitions?

  • Family: Defined by relationships, can include adopted children
  • Household: Defined by living arrangements, no kinship required